Wine Spectator's Top 30 Producers

California's Best Chardonnays

By James Laube

Chardonnay from California has become embedded in American wine culture for good reason: If you are seeking a white of distinction and complexity, whether for casual drinking or fancier dining, Chardonnay is the go-to wine. It's that good, and that reliable.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of producers that represent the cream of the crop. There are many delicious Chardonnays that merit attention; no one list would do justice to all. Yet in looking over the hundreds of Chardonnay producers I've rated in recent years, 30 stand out for their track records of quality. Taken as a group, these wineries set the gold standard for California Chardonnay excellence. . .

. . .Whatever style you prefer, whatever flavors you seek, Chardonnay from California can deliver. Use these profiles as a guide to the amazing quality on offer by top producers of America's favorite white wine.

ERIC KENT

Owner-winemaker Kent Humphrey sources his Chardonnay from several vineyards in Sonoma. Each bottling features a contemporary artist's work on the label, and the wines -from Sonoma Coast, Sangiacomo in Carneros and Russian River-are equally stylish, balancing elegance and power. In 2010, the Sangiacomo is more Chablis-like, flinty and clean; the others are a bit fuller and rounder.

COMING SOON

JOIN EK ALLOCATION LIST

Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.Join EK Allocation List

CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS

You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–6 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines may have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above.Join EK Allocation List

REORDERS

Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.

JOIN EK ALLOCATION LIST

Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.Join EK Allocation List

CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS

You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–6 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines may have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above.Join EK Allocation List

REORDERS

Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.